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Custom Lexus IS-F Interior Mods from L-Tuned Parts

L-Tuned Parts, the online Lexus parts superstore, is now offering some custom-made IS-F interior mods, including these two steering wheel replacements: Here’s the stock IS-F wheel for comparison’s sake: Replacement steering wheels aren’t for the faint-of-heart: Even if you send the IS-F’s stock steering wheel in exchange, these carbon fiber versions aren’t cheap ($1350USD & …

Kevin · August 3rd, 2008

Lexus USA July 2008 Sales Report

The July 2008 numbers for Lexus USA are in: 2008 2007 % Change IS250/350/F 4,750 4,892 -10.4 ES350 5,563 6,909 -25.7 GS350/460/450h 1,297 1,954 -38.7 SC430 143 304 -56.6 LS460/600h L 1,466 2,696 -49.8 Total Cars 13,219 16,755 -27.2 RX350/400h 7,101 8,413 -22.1 GX470 1,019 1,767 -46.8 LX570 843 206 277.7 Total Trucks 8,963 10,386 …

Kevin · August 1st, 2008

Lexus to Launch in the Philippines in 2009

According to The Manila Standard, Lexus will begin sale in the Philippines starting in January 2009: Alfred Ty, son of the business tycoon George Ty, told reporters the company is set on October to break ground for the only Lexus showroom in country within the Metrobank’s property in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig. The Lexus showroom …

Kevin · July 31st, 2008

Modified Lexus IS-F Coming to SEMA 2008

The IS-F will be making Lexus-sponsored appearance at SEMA again this year, this time in collaboration with the Fox Marketing & Artisan Performance. The person-in-charge of the modified version is Brian Fox, who’s been posting photos of the work-in-progress to his

Kevin · July 30th, 2008

Lexus IS Coupe Photochops

These Lexus IS coupe photochops from Top Speed might be almost two years old, but when I spotted the thumbnails on Flickr today, I thought it was the real deal: I have a feeling the coupe is going to be a looker, but this example lacks the hard edge that I’d like to see. One …

Kevin · July 29th, 2008

Lexus Chile Likes My LS 400

Lexus Chile has honored me by featuring my LS 400 in their history timeline: My photo: I’m not entirely sure why my ‘94 LS is filed under 2001, but you won’t catch me complaining.

Kevin · July 28th, 2008

Flickr Find: Ghost in the Lexus LF-A

High Dynamic Range Imaging, or HDR Photography, is the process of layering multiple images with different exposures, which creates a vivid and otherworldly image. It’s all the rage with digital photographers, including Flickr user NikonNikk, who applied the process to the Lexus LF-A (Be sure to click through and see it full-size): It always amazes …

Kevin · July 26th, 2008

Lexus SC 430, GX 470, & LX 570 to Remain Unchanged for 2009

The 2009 versions of the Lexus SC 430, GX 470 and LX 570 will remain unchanged save for some minor changes (all prices USD): The 2009 model year SC 430 luxury hardtop convertible receives new side mirrors with incorporated turn signals and will have a base MSRP $66,805, an increase of 0.7 percent or $450. …

Kevin · July 25th, 2008

Fairmont Hotels & Lexus Extend Partnership

As it turns out, the Hybrid Living Suites were just a prelude to a more extended partnership between Lexus and Fairmont Hotels: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Lexus, two global brands synonymous with luxury and style, today announced a formal partnership that will provide Fairmont President’s Club members with an even greater level of personalized …

Kevin · July 24th, 2008

DRC’s Lexus IS-GTF Race Results

The DRC Motorsports Lexus IS-GTF (which has suitably been renamed as an IS 350) had a bumpy start to its inaugural race this past weekend, my.IS has the details: The #72 DRC Motorsports Lexus IS 350 made its initial Mid-Ohio appearance during the second practice session, but entered pit lane before completing a full practice …

Kevin · July 24th, 2008

Lexus LF-A Engine on display at London Motor Show

Even if there’s nothing really new to look at, this Car Magazine video clip of the London Motor Show does feature the LF-A’s engine suspended in glass: Looks smaller than I would expect.

Kevin · July 23rd, 2008

Crazy Lexus IS 300 with 713hp

Normally, I wouldn’t post a video like this, but the insane power of this car needs to be shared. (Funny thing is, at lower speeds, it still managed to retain its Lexus characteristics.)

Kevin · July 23rd, 2008

Lexus RX Commercial: Lift-Off

The latest in Lexus’ series of Actively Safe commercials managed to give me the creeps very effectively: No, really…where was the dog during the crash?

Kevin · July 22nd, 2008

Lexus GS Video: 1998 Motor Trend Import Car of the Year

This video of Motor Trend television awarding the Lexus GS the 1998 import car of the year award is extraordinary if only for the sheer amount of praise heaped on the vehicle: “Almost as good as a new Corvette.” “Matching or exceeding the German traditions in every measure possible.” It’s no wonder why the second-generation …

Kevin · July 21st, 2008

Lexus Europe 2008 YTD Sales

Lexus Europe have reported their 2008 January to June sales, and the result is very similar to the US numbers. For the first six months of the year, 24,859 vehicles have been sold, a 14% decrease from last year. The press release also mentions that 35% of all Lexus’ sold in Europe are hybrids, which …

Kevin · July 21st, 2008

New Toyota Hybrid is Expected

Japanese newspaper Nikkei business daily is reporting that a new Toyota hybrid will be introduced next year: Toyota Motor Corp plans to produce 100,000 units a year of a new hybrid-only model slated for release in 2009 at a subsidiary in southern Japan, the Nikkei business daily reported on Saturday. The new car, which will …

Kevin · July 20th, 2008

Photo Gallery: Lexus IS-F in Smoky Granite Mica

Kicking Tires’ Ian Merritt put together a really nice photoshoot of the Lexus IS-F, here’s a sample: The Smoky Granite Mica is such a non-descript color, it really turns down the volume on the IS-F’s styling. (I’d almost say it’s my favorite exterior color for the model, but I have yet to see a couple …

Kevin · July 19th, 2008

Additional Video of the 2010 Lexus RX Prototype

Edmunds has more spy footage of the Lexus RX prototype booting its way around Nürburgring (click on the image below to be taken to the video): In their analysis, Edmunds points out the elimination of a portion of the rear side windows, which I had missed. Here’s a visual comparison: There’s definitely little deviation from …

Kevin · July 18th, 2008

Lexus IS-GTF to race in this weekend’s SPEED World Challenge

Whatever the reason, every time the Lexus IS-F & racing are linked together, it ends up being super-confusing. Case in point: My.IS has posted a story about pair of race-modified IS-Fs owned by DRC Motorsports that are about to enter the GT class of the SPEED World Challenge — only they’re not really IS-Fs, but …

Kevin · July 18th, 2008

New Lexus IS-F Commercial, Pt. 2

Here’s a new riff on the Lexus IS-F commercial we saw last week with Jim Sloyan: I have to say, I like the first one better, though it is nice to understand what Sloyan is saying this time round.

Kevin · July 17th, 2008

2009 Lexus IS Details Revealed

A number of details on the 2009 Lexus IS have been released by Lexus in the latest issue of their magazine. Here’s a scan: This verifies the information revealed in a document that showed up on Club Lexus last week, which was very specific about the upcoming changes. Let’s summarize: New Grille New front & …

Kevin · July 17th, 2008

1999 Lexus GS 400, VIP

The latest Import Tuner has a feature on the VIP’d 1999 Lexus GS 400 pictured above. Here’s a basic breakdown: Using a genuine Junction Produce body kit, including the bumpers, side skirts and rear wing, Johnny added a Ugo roof spoiler and JDM rain guards, chrome door handles and a trunk bar. To highlight the …

Kevin · July 16th, 2008

Ad: Lexus RX 330 “Road Optional”

As funny as it may be, I think this might be the first time I’ve seen mud on a Lexus RX ever: [Source: Coloribus]

Kevin · July 15th, 2008

Motor Trend: Lexus LS 460L Long Term Test

Motor Trend has wrapped up their year-long stay with the Lexus LS 460L, which had its share of ups and downs: …our staffers lauded the interior’s rich ambiance and excellent ergonomics, the buttery V-8’s power and acceleration, and the first-rate bumper-to-bumper build quality. And with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it didn’t force us to visit …

Kevin · July 15th, 2008

Video Interview with 5Axis’ Troy Sumitomo

When I started watching this video interview with 5Axis founder Troy Sumitomo, I wasn’t really expecting to learn anything new about his company’s Project IS-F concept, but it turned out to be pretty interesting, especially the insight into design inspiration: Note: This is potentially NSFW, Bikinis abound. It’s very easy to picture the concept car …

Kevin · July 14th, 2008

Lexus Responds to Next-Gen SC Cancellation Story

Toyota has responded to an Edmunds article that suggested the Lexus SC will be discontinued: Mike Michels, the corporate manager of External Communications for Toyota Motor Sales USA, has told AutomotiveWorld.com that reports by a US-based automotive website which claim the Lexus SC and Toyota Avalon will not be replaced due to slow sales are …

Kevin · July 14th, 2008

Flickr Find: Project IS-F Widebody

Speaking of the Project IS-F concept, I’ve been meaning to post this photo from Flickr user artistmg for some time now: I would have thought I’d be long past posting images of this car, but every once and a while an image jumps out at me. The Project IS-F looks especially wide here, and all …

Kevin · July 13th, 2008

Lexus Cancels Next-Generation SC?

According to Edmund’s Inside Line, the next generation Lexus SC has been cancelled: Toyota had been developing a successor to the SC, based on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the LF-A. Originally slated for production in early 2009, the next-generation SC was pushed back to mid-2011 and now has been canceled, according to Toyota insiders. …

Kevin · July 12th, 2008

Lexus Prices in China Jump Dramatically

Lexus buyers in China are about to encounter some exceptional price hikes as the result of a new Government policy: The Lexus cars to be marked up are mainly the 3.5L-plus models. The 2008 Lexus ES 350, of the lowest rise rate, has its price marked up by 57,000 yuan ($8,340USD) to 529,000 yuan ($77,406USD). …

Kevin · July 11th, 2008

Photos of Hennessey’s Lexus IS-F

Hennessey announced earlier this year that they would be training their eyes on some heavy-duty Lexus IS-F modifications, and now Jalopnik has some photos of a seemingly-stock IS-F from their tour of the Hennessey factory. Jalopnik also reiterated that the performance engineering company was working on headers and a new exhaust system for the super …

Kevin · July 10th, 2008

Lexus LX 570 Tows a Yacht

I had a real laugh when I stumbled on this Lexus LX 570 print ad (click for a larger version): With a maximum towing capacity of 8,500lbs, I guess this might even be possible… [Via: Ads of the World]

Kevin · July 10th, 2008

Visual Comparison of the New BMW 7 & Lexus LS

When the new BMW 7-series was introduced last week, there was certainly some criticism of the exterior, particularly in its likeness to the Lexus LS. When comparing the direct side profiles, I saw a passing resemblance, but couldn’t understand the big fuss. Then I saw this action montage: That’s just unfortunate. [Images assembled by chonnes04]

Kevin · July 9th, 2008

Motor Trend tests the Lexus F-Sport Mods

Motor Trend took delivery of a Lexus IS 250 deked out with the entire F-Sport catalog, and was generally impressed with the difference the factory modifications made: The brakes, for example, are of the same six-piston front, four-piston rear, two-piece ventilated and drilled rotor design found on the IS F — and they’re brilliant, hauling …

Kevin · July 9th, 2008

Lexus LX 570 Sand Climbing

While on the topic of the Lexus LX 570, check out this super-impressive Youtube clip of the luxury-tank scaling a sand mountain: Zero to small-white-speck in less than 10 seconds.

Kevin · July 8th, 2008

MyRide’s Video Review of the Lexus LX 570

MyRide managed to snag one of the incredibly rare Lexus LX 570’s just long enough to film this video review: A nice overview, to be sure. I’ve grown into a huge fan of the new look LX. More than anything, the absolute cocoon it provides is a significant upgrade, it’s more like a luxury tank …

Kevin · July 8th, 2008

Toyota’s Audio Interview with Lexus USA GM Mark Templin

Toyota’s Open Road blog has posted a short audio interview of Lexus General Manager Mark Templin & Toyota President Jim Lentz discussing the company’s low sales in June and what it means for the car maker: Here’s an interesting excerpt from GM Templin on Lexus moving forward: The good news is that we retained our …

Kevin · July 7th, 2008

Hilarious Lexus IS-F Commercial with James Sloyan

This commercial featuring perpetual Lexus voice actor James Sloyan in the passenger seat of an IS-F as Scott Pruett takes a lap around the track is just about perfect: This is a definite payoff for using the same voice actor since the very first commercials. (Anyone want to hazard a guess as to what James …

Kevin · July 7th, 2008

Lexus USA’s 2008 YTD Sales vs. BMW, Mercedes & Audi

With the year-to-year decrease in Lexus US auto sales becoming more and more pronounced, I thought it might be a good idea to do some number comparisons as a way to get some perspective. First thing, here’s the raw facts of Lexus’ first-half sales when compared to the competition: Manufacturer YTD 2008 YTD 2007 % …

Kevin · July 5th, 2008

Lexus Canada Model Price Reduction

TPP commenter Jesse P.S reminded me of something that was lost in the shuffle of the RX prototype video and the June sales reports — Lexus Canada dropped their prices significantly on July 1st. Here’s the table: Canadian Model Price Reductions Vehicle Old MSRP New MSRP 2008 IS 250 $36,550 $31,900 2008 ES 350 $42,900 …

Kevin · July 4th, 2008

The Fonz & The Lexus Hybrid

The Fonz is trading in his motorcycle for a Lexus RX 400h, as Henry Winkler is making his way across Britain on a children’s book tour to support the government’s 2008 National Year of Reading: Winkler, world famous for his role as “The Fonz” in the hit television show Happy Days., is now the author …

Kevin · July 3rd, 2008

Paul McCartney’s Lexus LS 600h Spotted

Considering the furor it created, I had fully expected the LS 600hL gift that Lexus airfreighted to Paul McCartney would never see the light of day. However, Sir Paul was recently spotted being chauffeured around London in the dark maple red hybrid. Also of note: Such is vegetarian Sir Paul’s passion for issues surrounding animal …

Kevin · July 3rd, 2008

Lexus Canada June 2008 Sales Report

In contrast to the current US sales situation, Lexus Canada had their best June ever, posting a 22.4% increase over last year. At 1,557 total units sold, the number pales in comparison to the US sales volume, but the rate of growth is very impressive, particularly in regard to the SUV market. Lexus Canada sold …

Kevin · July 2nd, 2008

Video of the 2010 Lexus RX Prototype

My least favorite German car magazine Auto Motor Und Sport has scooped up some footage of the next-generation Lexus RX making its way around Nürburgring: Can’t say this was something I would have ever expected to see, an RX on the ‘ring. One thing’s for sure, I don’t ever want to see an RX going …

Kevin · July 2nd, 2008

Detailed Account of the Lexus Perfomance Academy

Blogger David Pitlyuk attended the paid version of last weekend’s Lexus Performance Academy in West Virginia, and took some time to give a full rundown of the event, including this video of his hot lap in the IS-F: David’s summary is quite detailed, and gives some very good insight into each part of the event. …

Kevin · July 1st, 2008

Lexus USA June 2008 Sales Report

Lexus USA’s June 2008 sales numbers are in, and the results don’t look too rosy. Overall, sales are down 21.1% compared to last year, model by model it breaks down like this: 2008 2007 % Change IS250/350/F 4,324 5,182 -6.1 ES350 5,726 7,232 -10.9 GS350/460/450h 1,213 2,021 -32.5 SC430 154 391 -55.7 LS460/600h L 1,525 …

Kevin · July 1st, 2008

Video from a Lexus Performance Academy Hot Lap

With only four Lexus Performance Academy events planned across the entire US, there’s a very strict limit to just how many people will get in on the action, which is especially disappointing considering that part of the fun is driving in a IS-F at full-steam around a closed race track. Luckily, in the age of …

Kevin · June 30th, 2008

The Secrets of Car Camouflage

It may not be Lexus-specific, but Car & Driver has a very interesting article on one of the companies responsible for creating the wild camouflage used to hide pre-production vehicles: Dan owns Autocanvas, one of only two independent U.S. companies that create camouflage to thwart the public—and rival automakers—from eyeing preproduction cars. When Dan reluctantly …

Kevin · June 29th, 2008

Esquire Reviews the Lexus LS 460

There’s a nice little editorial/review of the Lexus LS 460 in the latest issue of Esquire that revolves around writer David Raab’s son: We try the Lexus LS 460L because my son’s entire experience of cars is based on sitting in the backseat, and because one of his car guides rates the 460’s backseat a …

Kevin · June 27th, 2008

Australia gets a Lexus RX 350 Special Edition

In preparation of winter, Australia is getting a special edition of the Lexus RX 350 perfectly suited for the colder months. Here’s a breakdown of the particulars: Added extras include bespoke 18-inch shadow chrome alloy wheels, three unique exterior colours – including Arctic Blue, Burgundy and Onyx carbon – and an accessories pack featuring roof …

Kevin · June 26th, 2008

WSJ looks into Lexus LX 570 sales

When you consider the climbing cost of gas in the USA (and everywhere else!), the dramatic increase in Lexus LX 570 sales has raised some eyebrows, including the Wall Street Journal, who went so far as to interview a new owner: Karen Bean of Albany, N.Y., says she bought a Lexus LX 570 earlier this …

Kevin · June 25th, 2008

Flickr Find: Pink Lexus SC, San Fran Style

There must be something special about crazy Lexus SC’s in the Bay Area, because San Francisco resident Kristie Wells spotted another variation on what seems to be a local phenomenon: I don’t know what astonishes me more, that there would be three strikingly similar cars all within a 100 mile radius, or that a photo …

Kevin · June 25th, 2008

Lexus RX Prototype Photos, Round Two

In all the excitement of the just-seen Lexus RX prototype running the ‘Ring in Germany, I missed that Leftlane News have their own spy coverage of the next-gen crossover. I love the revised stance of the vehicle: The reduction of the rear bubble has done a lot to update the look of the RX, but …

Kevin · June 24th, 2008

Top Gear builds a Lexus LS 400 Police Car

Top Gear was in top form for the start of their eleventh season last night, turning a very entertaining episode that managed to squeeze a ‘93-‘94 Lexus LS 400 into their first challenge of the year. Each presenter had to choose a sub-£1000 used car that could replace the Vauxhall Astra as the British Police …

Kevin · June 23rd, 2008

2010 Lexus RX Prototype Spotted in Germany

A set of mildly-camoflagued Lexus RX prototypes have been spotted at Nürburgring in Germany, and the design is looking to be a successful merger of the current model and the LF-Xh concept shown at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. The most obvious element taken from the LF-Xh is the smoother, more flowing shape, looking lower …

Kevin · June 23rd, 2008

Salvador Dali Exhibit at Newport Lexus

If you’re anywhere near Newport Lexus in Orange County, California, you might want to check out their Salvador Dali exhibit, which opened yesterday and runs until June 30th: Salvador Dali at Newport Lexus, Newport Beach, California Friday, June 20 8:30a to 9:00p Largest exhibit of Salvador Dali works ever shown in Newport Beach. More than …

Kevin · June 21st, 2008

Toyota: Two Hybrids in Detroit Auto Show, not three

Toyota’s Open Road blog has posted a clarification concerning last week’s report that three hybrids would be introduced at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show: A report in Monday’s news indicating that Toyota might be showing a new third hybrid car at the Detroit show was the result of an apparent misunderstanding. We’d like to clarify …

Kevin · June 20th, 2008

Ad Age explores the Alicia Keys/Lexus sponsorship

The Lexus-sponsored Alicia Keys tour wrapped up last night in New York, and Advertising Age has an article describing the company’s presence at the concerts: In exchange for the paid sponsorship, Lexus installed lounges at each concert, exclusive VIP areas heavy with appetizers and a bar, and randomly selected a section of the auditorium to …

Kevin · June 19th, 2008

Automobile Magazine reviews the Lexus LS 600hL

When the Lexus LS 600hL was released, the automotive press was quick to point out its “flaws”, especially when it came to gas mileage. Being a hybrid, the flagship sedan was expected to have exceptional fuel economy, and at first glance, that didn’t seem to be the case at all. It’s taken a few months …

Kevin · June 18th, 2008

Motorweek: 1993 Luxury Car Comparison

The latest in Youtube user bajabusta‘s trip down the Motorweek memory lane is this comparison test between the Lexus LS 400, BMW 740i, Mercedes 400E, Infiniti Q45 & Cadillac STS, divided into two parts: The Mercedes 400E seemed out of place in the comparison until some research showed that a 1993 S-Class started at $69,900, …

Kevin · June 17th, 2008

Flickr Find: Lexus LF-A vs. Honda Civic

No matter how evenly matched they might be, I still had a chuckle over of this photo of the Lexus LF-A up against a Honda Civic: (This photo comes from Flickr user nordschleifenfan, my favorite Nürburgring photographer.)

Kevin · June 17th, 2008

Extended Video of the Lexus LF-A during Nürburgring 24h Race

Japanese racing website Start Your Engines has posted some extended footage of the Lexus LF-A in last month’s Nürburgring 24hour race, with plenty of mysterious Japanese commentary: The racing prototype certainly didn’t seem to struggle against its competitors on the track, which makes me wonder just how well the prototype would have finished without the …

Kevin · June 16th, 2008

Lexus at the US Open

While covering the US Open in Torrey Pines, golf blogger Geoff Shackelford spotted this Lexus LX 570 “Evacuation Vehicle”: Pretty strange designation, I’m still trying to figure it out. *** Lexus is also sponsoring an invitation-only event tonight on the roof of the Hard Rock Cafe in San Diego, where the US Open is taking …

Kevin · June 14th, 2008

Motor Trend attends the Lexus Performance Academy

A writer from Motor Trend secured a seat to the Lexus Performance Academy held two weekends ago at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana California. Here’s how the event broke down: For the most part, it turned out to be a fun way to spend a day. The four-hour-plus event is broken up into several …

Kevin · June 13th, 2008

The Lexus LF-Xh Concept in Matte Black

During his visit to Toyota’s Mega Web complex in Tokyo, Flickr user mujitra took some photos of a matte black Lexus LF-Xh concept (click for larger versions): The matte black paint, especially when combined with that great set of gunmetal wheels, makes this LF-Xh looks very menacing. It’s certainly an interesting way to display its …

Kevin · June 12th, 2008

New Information on the Lexus Dedicated Hybrid

Although Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe announced that a new Lexus dedicated hybrid would be introduced way back in January, Toyota made it official-official in an Automotive News article released today: Toyota Motor Corp. on Wednesday fired a fresh volley in the green car wars, promising two new hybrid vehicles and the start of lithium-ion battery …

Kevin · June 11th, 2008

Video Review of the 1992 Lexus ES 300

Looks like someone’s breaking into their old VHS collection, as Youtube user bajabusta has been steadily posting old segments from Motorweek. First there was the Lexus ES 250 vs. Infiniti M30 footage, and now it’s a review of the newly introduced 1992 ES 300: I always get a kick of these back-in-the-day TV segments, they …

Kevin · June 11th, 2008

Lexus Video for the 2008 US Open

The 2008 US Open is being played this week, and Lexus is one of the event’s four sponsors. As expected, there’s some fairly extensive Lexus advertising being put together, including a funny short film featuring Annika Sorenstam, Charles Howell III, Raymond Floyd and Chi Chi Rodriguez in a car race to the Open (image below …

Kevin · June 10th, 2008

Wald Lexus IS-F Body Kit Teaser

For whatever reason, Wald International decided that the IS-F was in need of a body kit, and the above photo is a digital mockup of the potential design. Here it is from the rear: Hopefully this goes through the same process as the IS body released last year, which started off as an over-the-top photochop. …

Kevin · June 9th, 2008

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